4787. RB to Arabella Moulton-Barrett
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 28, 235.
Rome, Via Felice, 126
Dec 3. ’60.
Dearest Arabel,—I have just written a word to George. I have but a few minutes for one to you—yet you must have it, or the fear for Ba will be too sad. I cannot tell you now how we hurried away from Florence to avoid receiving the news there, in the cold weather, & prolonging from day to day the suspense which was intolerable: we got off the day after receiving George’s first decisive note—and so had the next six days, of change & necessary exertion, free from any possible announcement of calamity: but on arriving, there were no news for us—nor for the next five days—till I found it necessary to send telegrams to Florence & England—and the former soon brought the contents of George’s letters. The letter [1] & yours came this morning only. Do not be alarmed for Ba—she has had to bear so much this wretched summer that the blow has been anticipated in a great degree. You know how that utterly dear & affectionate heart will have suffered: and you know what consolation your affection is & more than ever will be to her. I will write again, if she cannot write for herself tomorrow. I tell you the exact truth when I say there is nothing to alarm you in her state: I believe she will be the better (as I say) for the end of the terrible suspense—which could not have been prolonged much more without disastrous results. God bless you, dearest Arabel, our precious own sister–
Yours ever affectionately
Robert Browning–
Address: Angleterre / Miss Moulton Barrett / 7 Delamere Terrace, / Harrow Road, / London.
Publication: EBB-AB, II, 501.
Manuscript: Gordon E. Moulton-Barrett.
1. Bearing the news of Henrietta’s death.
___________________
